We welcome this panel discussion on “Technical cooperation and capacity-building in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities including public-private partnerships,” and are particularly pleased to have a diverse panel of strong advocates for human rights of persons with disabilities.

The United States abhors racist ideology. As our history and experience have shown us, the best way to counteract these statements is through allowing a variety of more reasoned voices, including voices of members of minority groups, to outshine the vitriol of a hardened few.

There are more than 60 million child brides worldwide, and one in nine girls around the world marry before the age of 15, often without their consent and resulting in severe health consequences. This profound challenge demands this Council’s attention.